US6577907B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fully modular multifunction device
Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
•
Filing: 2000-04-24
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Granted: 2003-06-10
•
Expires: 2020-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A multifunction device includes a multifunction controller, a first interface for receiving input data from at least one scanner and a second interface for outputting processed input data to at least one printer, wherein the first interface and the second interface are each a standard interface. In a presently preferred embodiment the first interface is comprised of a SCSI interface. The multifunction device further includes a graphical user interface for controlling the operation of the multifunction device, including setting operational parameters for the at least one scanner and the at least one printer. Other interfaces are also provided, including one for coupling to a facsimile device for outputting processed input data to the facsimile device, and another interface for coupling to an e-mail port for outputting processed input data to the e-mail port. Another interface is for coupling to a global data communications network, such as the Internet, for receiving document data as well as recipient contact information therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Stanley Czyszczewski
- 👤 II James T Smith
- 👤 Ivan Woehr
- 👤 Luana L. Vigil
- 👤 David George Greenwood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:47
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/0035; H04N1/00405; H04N1/00408; H04N1/00413; H04N1/00416; G; G06; G06F; G06F13/00; G06F13/10; H04N1/00411; H04N1/00474; H04N1/00482; H04N1/32; H04N1/32502; H04N1/32507; H04N1/32512; H04N1/32523; H04N1/32529; H04N1/32561; H04N1/32593; H04N1/00127; H04N1/00204; H04N1/00209; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/0077; H04N2201/0081; H04N2201/0082; H04N2201/0086; H04N2201/32; H04N2201/3201; H04N2201/3204; H04N2201/3205; H04N2201/3209; H04N2201/3274
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A multifunction device, comprising: a multifunction controller; a first interface which receives input data from at least one scanner and a second interface which outputs processed input data to at least one printer, wherein said first interface and said second interface are each comprised of a standard interface; a third interface which couples to an email port which outputs processed input data to said email port; a fourth interface which couples to a global data communications network which receives document data as well as recipient contact information therefrom; and a graphical user interface which controls the operation of said multifunction device, including setting operational parameters for said at least one scanner and said at least one printer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
A multifunction device, comprising: a multifunction controller; a first interface which receives input data from at least one scanner and a second interface which outputs processed input data to at least one printer, wherein said first interface and said second interface are each comprised of a standard interface; a third interface which couples to an email port which outputs processed input data to said email port; a fourth interface which couples to a global data communications network which receives document data as well as recipient contact information therefrom; and a graphical user interface which controls the operation of said multifunction device, including setting operational parameters for said at least one scanner and said at least one printer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multifunction device as in claim 1 , wherein said first interface is comprised of a SCSI interface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multifunction device as in claim 1 , and further comprising another interface for coupling to a facsimile device for outputting processed input data to said facsimile device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
202 words
Apparatus comprising: a scanner interface coupling at least one scanner and generating a digital record of a scanned image; a printer interface coupling at least one printer and generating printed copy signals corresponding to the digital record, the printed copy signals being effective in printing at the printer an image derived from the scanned image; a controller which couples said scanner interface and said printer interface, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the scanner and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to a selected one of said printer interface, said first network interface, and said second network interface; and a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
202 words
Apparatus comprising: a scanner interface coupling at least one scanner and generating a digital record of a scanned image; a printer interface coupling at least one printer and generating printed copy signals corresponding to the digital record, the printed copy signals being effective in printing at the printer an image derived from the scanned image; a controller which couples said scanner interface and said printer interface, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the scanner and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to a selected one of said printer interface, said first network interface, and said second network interface; and a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to selectively access one of said database of address information stored in said memory and a second database of address information stored remotely from said controller and accessible through said first network interface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
202 words
Apparatus comprising: a scanner interface coupling at least one scanner and generating a digital record of a scanned image; a printer interface coupling at least one printer and generating printed copy signals corresponding to the digital record, the printed copy signals being effective in printing at the printer an image derived from the scanned image; a controller which couples said scanner interface and said printer interface, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the scanner and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to any selected two of said printer interface, said first network interface, and said second network interface; and a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
202 words
Apparatus comprising: a scanner interface coupling at least one scanner and generating a digital record of a scanned image; a printer interface coupling at least one printer and generating printed copy signals corresponding to the digital record, the printed copy signals being effective in printing at the printer an image derived from the scanned image; a controller which couples said scanner interface and said printer interface, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the scanner and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to any selected two of said printer interface, said first network interface, and said second network interface; and a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to selectively access one of said database of address information stored in said memory and a second database of address information stored remotely from said controller and accessible through said first network interface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
201 words
Apparatus comprising: a scanner interface coupling at least one scanner and generating a digital record of a scanned image; a printer interface coupling at least one printer and generating printed copy signals corresponding to the digital record, the printed copy signals being effective in printing at the printer an image derived from the scanned image; a controller which couples said scanner interface and said printer interface, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the scanner and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record each and all of said printer interface, said first network interface, and said second network interface; and a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
201 words
Apparatus comprising: a scanner interface coupling at least one scanner and generating a digital record of a scanned image; a printer interface coupling at least one printer and generating printed copy signals corresponding to the digital record, the printed copy signals being effective in printing at the printer an image derived from the scanned image; a controller which couples said scanner interface and said printer interface, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the scanner and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record each and all of said printer interface, said first network interface, and said second network interface; and a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to selectively access one of said database of address information stored in said memory and a second database of address information stored remotely from said controller and accessible through said first network interface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus comprising: an image capture device which generates a digital record; a printer which generates a printed copy derived from the digital record; a controller which couples said image capture device and said printer, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for exchange of digital data; and a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the image capture device and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to a selected one of said printer, said first network interface to generate an electronic mail message, and said second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver; wherein said printer is remote to said controller and is coupled to said controller via said first network interface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus comprising: an image capture device which generates a digital record; a printer which generates a printed copy derived from the digital record; a controller which couples said image capture device and said printer, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for exchange of digital data; and a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the image capture device and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to a selected one of said printer, said first network interface to generate an electronic mail message, and said second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver; wherein said printer is remote to said controller and is coupled to said controller via said first network interface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said control program when executing on said controller enables a user to access a remotely stored database of address information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising: a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and to selectively access one of said database of address information stored in said memory and a second database of address information stored remotely from said controller and accessible through said first network interface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus comprising: an image capture device which generates a digital record; a printer which generates a printed copy derived from the digital record; a controller which couples said image capture device and said printer, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for exchange of digital data; and a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the image capture device and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to any selected two of said printer, said first network interface to generate an electronic mail message, and said second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver; wherein said printer is remote to said controller and is coupled to said controller via said first network interface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus comprising: an image capture device which generates a digital record; a printer which generates a printed copy derived from the digital record; a controller which couples said image capture device and said printer, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for exchange of digital data; and a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the image capture device and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to any selected two of said printer, said first network interface to generate an electronic mail message, and said second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver; wherein said printer is remote to said controller and is coupled to said controller via said first network interface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said control program when executing on said controller enables a user to access a remotely stored database of address information.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising: a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and to selectively access one of said database of address information stored in said memory and a second database of address information stored remotely from said controller and accessible through said first network interface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus comprising: an image capture device which generates a digital record; a printer which generates a printed copy derived from the digital record; a controller which couples said image capture device and said printer, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for exchange of digital data; and a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the image capture device and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to each and all of said printer, said first network interface to generate an electronic mail message, and said second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver; wherein said printer is remote to said controller and is coupled to said controller via said first network interface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus comprising: an image capture device which generates a digital record; a printer which generates a printed copy derived from the digital record; a controller which couples said image capture device and said printer, said controller having a first network interface which connects to an area network for bidirectional exchange of digital data; and a second network interface which connects to a second network for exchange of digital data; and a control program stored accessibly to and executable on said controller, said control program when executing effective in setting operational parameters for the image capture device and the printer and enabling a user to select delivery of the digital record to each and all of said printer, said first network interface to generate an electronic mail message, and said second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver; wherein said printer is remote to said controller and is coupled to said controller via said first network interface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said control program when executing on said controller enables a user to access a remotely stored database of address information.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising: a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and enabling access to said database of address information stored in said memory.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising a memory coupled to and housed with said controller; said control program when executing on said controller further enabling a user to store a database of address information in said memory and to selectively access one of said database of address information stored in said memory and a second database of address information stored remotely from said controller and accessible through said first network interface.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
132 words
A method comprising the steps of: capturing, on an associated image capture device, a digital record of a document; executing on a controller a control program which sets operational parameters for the associated image capture device and enables a user to select delivery of the captured digital record to one of an associated printer, a first network interface, and a second network interface; and performing in accordance to such selection one of: a. setting operational parameters for the associated printer and delivering the digital record to the associated printer to generate a copy of the document; b. delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; c. delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
132 words
A method comprising the steps of: capturing, on an associated image capture device, a digital record of a document; executing on a controller a control program which sets operational parameters for the associated image capture device and enables a user to select delivery of the captured digital record to one of an associated printer, a first network interface, and a second network interface; and performing in accordance to such selection one of: a. setting operational parameters for the associated printer and delivering the digital record to the associated printer to generate a copy of the document; b. delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; c. delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the format of the electronic mail message is a format selected from the group consisting of PDF and Text.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
134 words
A method comprising the steps of: capturing, on an associated image capture device, a digital record of a document; executing on a controller a control program which sets operational parameters for the associated image capture device and enables a user to select delivery of the captured digital record to one of an associated printer, a first network interface, and a second network interface; and performing in accordance to such selection at least two of: i. setting operational parameters for the associated printer and delivering the digital record to the associated printer to generate a copy of the document; ii. delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; iii. delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
134 words
A method comprising the steps of: capturing, on an associated image capture device, a digital record of a document; executing on a controller a control program which sets operational parameters for the associated image capture device and enables a user to select delivery of the captured digital record to one of an associated printer, a first network interface, and a second network interface; and performing in accordance to such selection at least two of: i. setting operational parameters for the associated printer and delivering the digital record to the associated printer to generate a copy of the document; ii. delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; iii. delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 24 wherein the format of the electronic mail message is a format selected from the group consisting of PDF and Text.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
141 words
A program product comprising: a computer readable medium; a control program stored on said medium, said control program when executing on a controller which couples an image capture device, a printer, and first and second network interfaces, setting operational parameters for the image capture device and enabling a user to select delivery of a digital record captured by the device to one of the printer, the first network interface, and the second network interface by performing in accordance to such selection one of: (a) setting operational parameters for the printer and delivering the digital record to the printer to generate a copy of the document; (b) delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; (c) delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
141 words
A program product comprising: a computer readable medium; a control program stored on said medium, said control program when executing on a controller which couples an image capture device, a printer, and first and second network interfaces, setting operational parameters for the image capture device and enabling a user to select delivery of a digital record captured by the device to one of the printer, the first network interface, and the second network interface by performing in accordance to such selection one of: (a) setting operational parameters for the printer and delivering the digital record to the printer to generate a copy of the document; (b) delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; (c) delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
141 words
A program product comprising: a computer readable medium; a control program stored on said medium, said control program when executing on a controller which couples an image capture device, a printer, and first and second network interfaces, setting operational parameters for the image capture device and enabling a user to select delivery of a digital record captured by the device to one of the printer, the first network interface, and the second network interface by performing in accordance to such selection one of: (a) setting operational parameters for the printer and delivering the digital record to the printer to generate a copy of the document; (b) delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; (c) delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
141 words
A program product comprising: a computer readable medium; a control program stored on said medium, said control program when executing on a controller which couples an image capture device, a printer, and first and second network interfaces, setting operational parameters for the image capture device and enabling a user to select delivery of a digital record captured by the device to one of the printer, the first network interface, and the second network interface by performing in accordance to such selection one of: (a) setting operational parameters for the printer and delivering the digital record to the printer to generate a copy of the document; (b) delivering the digital record to the first network interface to generate an electronic mail message; (c) delivering the digital record to the second network interface to generate a facsimile transmission to a remote facsimile receiver.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-12-09 | 2007-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-09 | 2010-12-09 | 2011-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-12-09 | 2015-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |